AT&T Commercial: Kids

AT&T and advertising agency BBDO have released these amusing videos lately.

There is no question, these kids wouldn’t know. Of course, two laser eyes are better than one. Of course, a car moves faster than grandma. And definitely, it is better to have a big tree house, so that you could have a disco party in it. AT&T makes sure that with your cell phone you would be faster, better, bigger.

Excuse me, at the end of one of your commercials with a child swaying his head from side to side, then his left arm going at the same time, does he actually say “he’s got a disease? Not Cool!!! This commercial was shown on TBS during the Conan Show on January 23rd at approximately 10:42 PM (CST).

These are the stupidest commercials I’ve seen in along time. It is ironic that I’m seeing an ad for getting a teaching certificate on the same page that I’m seeing these idiotic commercials touted as funny. They represent everything that is wrong in many classrooms with squirrely little boys monopolozing class time trying to be the center of attention. In one of these ads the adult even shushes a little girl who tries to say something because he says he wants to hear some nonsense that an obnoxious kid is spouting. They aren’t cute. They aren’t funny. They are just annoying and make me cringe every time one comes on. I’m not sure who thinks little boys acting like idiots is funny. Really?

Haha OMG. Are you serious?! These commercials are great. Obviously, I don’t read into it as much as you do.. But kids whether or not it’s scripted (which I do wonder), kids say stuff like this all the time! It’s adorable! And that whole opinion about the “obnoxious” kid and the “sushing”.. It’s obvious the kids are laughing and having fun, and that is harder for a kid to act, which probably means the other kids knew they weren’t being left out. Lighten up a little. Damn, I can think of soo many commercials that are 100x’s more annoying then this one will EVER be. I hope AT&T keeps making ones like this.. They crack us up every time.

@Carol the girl was being shushed in the midst of saying “look, I can do it too” meaning, she can imitate the other kids “obnoxiousness”.

Obnoxious kid though? The premise of the commercial was being able to do more than one thing at once, the kid said he could shake his head and wave his hand at the same time…hence doing more than one thing simultaneously.

Lighten up, the commercials are hilarious and it depicts kids being kids. Comparing a commercial with kids being silly (when warranted) to why classrooms are in shambles…?? I think you’re reaching.

I’ve been around a lot of kids, have kids, and I love their ability to be hilarious. I’d be embarrassed to have a kid that acted like the little boys, in particular, on these commercials. They aren’t saying anything funny at all. They are just doing the look at me look at me I want attention so I’ll act as silly as possible routine, scripted or not. What they say isn’t even funny or kid cute. Just makes me turn the channel. I guess if you acted like that when you were a kid or have kids where you encourage that, it must be funny to you. Enjoy. I’ll just keep turning the channel and I know a lot of other people who do the same.

These commercials are great! Reminds me of Bill Cosby with kids. I wish I knew who is the guy asking the questions, he never breaks stride. I have verizon but I love the commercials, they are great!!!!!

@Carol you have kids? It’s one thing if you don’t find the commercial funny that’s a preference and it’s fine if you don’t find it hilarious, which it is. But these kids aren’t acting like idiots they’re acting like kids. They’re supposed to be silly, that’s the age to be. Everyone seems to be laughing and enjoying themselves so let them. You don’t have to like the commercial, but don’t dog these kids for acting their age.

I came on here specifically thinking “Wait, I’ll bet someone’s got a problem with this commercial” and sure enough we’ve got a winner!
Carol, lighten up. It’s just a commercial and no children were hurt in the making of it. Please don’t answer any ads for teaching certificates. Kids say and do the funniest things when allowed to express themselves. Watch the commercials a little more open minded, there is nothing obnoxious being said by any child let alone the boy. Yes, he is acting silly but this setting is not during a lesson. It’s just answering questions from a grownup.

Your commercials insult the intelligence of the adult watching TV. Just whom are you trying to target wit kids doing commercials bent on getting adults to switch to AT@T. You really should get better ad agencies to pitch your product. I mean an adult man talking to kids at a school table about speed and ability to do two or more things at once, really lame. Grow up.

I absolutely hate these commercials. Anyone who thinks these annoying ads are spontaneous does not know anything about kids. They are so precocious and fake. And Mike, to say that about Tom’s spelling of “with”, which was clearly a typo, shows the type of person you are…the type of person who finds these ridiculous commercials funny. Anyone who does has absolutely no sense of humor–you probably have those annoying and precocious kids who we teachers can’t stand having in class. Nothing worse than a kid who thinks he/she is cute and funny. That works when you’re 3 or 4–not after. Get a clue people. Geesh.

Ads are hilarious. I just want to know whether they’re scripted. Can’t believe they are scripted, and at the same time, can’t believe the kids are coming up with this stuff spontaneously. Great commercials though. And people, lighten up.

Thanks Millstone. Kids are soooo much fun. These kids are acting like three or four year olds. Again, if people think that is normal funny kid behavior for kids that age, oh well. Enjoy your dufus kids. I’m doing the happy dance my kids have a sense of humor and didn’t resort to “look how stupid I can act” for attention getting routines. I don’t have any idea if these kids are really like that because the whole commercials seems so fake. They may be really awesome fun kids that are just doing their jobs.

Carol and millhouse, who pissed in your cheerios? The fact that you can make judgments About these kids, the people who enjoy these commercials, or their children Is just ridiculous. You must of had a miserable childhood. But I bet you both are parents of the year.

I love these commercials! Every once in a while, one of my students will say something that just makes me stop because it is so random and silly — and the child is actually making a serious statement! The latest one with the girl going on about being a werewolf and the adult just looks at her and says, “What?” — welcome to my world! Classic kid moment.

Thank you, Daphne! Look, everyone is entitled to their opinion, just as I have the right to respect those opinions even if I disagree. If those who complained about these commercials had just simply said they didn’t think they were funny or didn’t care for them, that’s fine. I may not understand why, really, but that’s fine, too. To take this opportunity, though, to berate and insult children just makes me sad. I know plenty of children at that (approximated) age who act very much like these children, and there’s nothing “wrong” with them. Scripted or not, they seem like they’re having a good time, so I just don’t get why these commercials have warranted all of this hatred.

@carol … The reason there are ads for a teaching degree are because you’ve been searching for it in your browser. Talk about being idiotic, aren’t you aware of the fact that your browser uses search information to generate in site ads??? Its basic knowledge that these kids you’re calling obnoxious would probably know. You must have a really crap sense of humor if you don’t find these amusing.

Jen, I am looking all over the internet for a clip of the werewolf one, it aired during Being Human, at first I cracked up when the little girl growled, then I lost it at the guy’s reaction. It was priceless! I hope they air it again.

Obviously these are just commercials so they are only stealing 30 secs of my life, but these AT&T commercials with the kids are so annoying and lame, that it makes me NOT want to buy any products or services from that company. Same thing with the Progressive commercials with that irritating Flo chick. If ever faced with a decision on whether to go with Progressive or a competitor for my insurance needs, I will go out of my way to not choose Progressive based solely on their annoying commercials. AT&T is quickly falling into the same category.

@Justin, why are you flaming Carol so hard for disliking this commercial? Makes it sound like you have kids that act just like the ones in the commercial. If so, I’m glad you think your kids are so cute, but just understand that not everyone thinks this type of behavior is endearing. If I see kids acting like the ones in these commercials, I personally lose a tiny bit of respect for their parents, but that’s just me.

Man almighty! I’m just trying to find out if these hilarious AT&T commercials are scripted and the battles on here are insane! I think the wit these kids have is adorable. Even funnier, the “interviewer”!! How he could keep it together with those kids is beyond me! Lol!
I really hope the ad agency or AT&T posts at some point if these commercials are scripted or not! Inquiring minds want to know
As for you bitter pills who are rambling about how horrible these kids are, why did you even come to this page? You hate the commercial and the kids so much that you googled it AND continue to monitor your postings?? Lol! That’s saying something! I think the one lady, Carol, is the best!! I get the impression her kids were passed up for actors in this commercial and now she’s bitter. I certainly hope that those of you who are bashing these child actors aren’t actually parents. If these kids are actors, they’re mini geniuses! If they’re just chatting unscripted, they’re adorable! Imagination, creativity, spontaneity… I think it’s wonderful to see that some kids actually have those traits. I thank God every day that my kids are spirited, funny, adorable, loving, caring individuals. My kids are just as cute and funny as the children in this commercial, and they’re wonderful kids who have huge hearts and amaze me every day. Nothing wrong with that! If any of you visitors to this page happen to be parents of these kiddos in the commercial… Are they acting? Is it scripted? Don’t mind the Negative Nancy’s… Just fill those of us who chuckle and have a sense of humor in on the scoop! Thanks

I ABSOLUTELY HATE THESE COMMERCIALS !!! THEY ARE SO LAME. THERE IS NOTHING I SEE REMOTELY RELATED TO YOUR SERVICE AND THE CHILDREN. THE MAN INTERVIEWING IS REVOLTING. I ACTUALLY TURN OFF MY TV WHEN THESE COMMERCIALS COME ON. WHICH I HAVE EVER DONE IN MY LIFE. SAVE YOUR MONEY. IT IS DOING NOTHING FOR YOUR BUSINESS. GET A NEW ADVERTISER. GOOD LUCK.
SINCERELY,
JACKIE

These AT&T commercials with the kids are super annoying. Hard to believe they are so popular. They have little to do with the product. Equally annoying are the Honda commercials where the buyers are at some other dealer within sight of the Honda dealers. Both are running a lot in Chicago especially on sporting events.

According to Stuart Elliott at the NY Times, here’s the answer about script or no script. It’s both:

Quote:
The commercials, which use the phrase “It’s not complicated” to extol the virtues of AT&T’s wireless service, began with prepared scripts “just in case,” says Steven Schwadron, a spokesman for AT&T who is a senior vice president and partner at the Fleshman-Hillard division of the Omnicom Group.

“But the kids always came up with better unscripted answers to questions like ‘Why faster is better’ than we could ever write,” Mr. Schwadron writes in an e-mail. “It gave the spots a more natural feel and is one of the reasons why the ‘It’s not complicated’ campaign has been a such a success.”

The commercials are created by the Atlanta office of BBDO North America, part of another Omnicom agency, BBDO Worldwide.

PS My whole family finds these exchanges hilarious. In my opinion, the children are precocious, not obnoxious. (I’m the mother of four grown children and a substitute teacher.)

I personally find these commercials funny. They are made for the simple reason of selling products. Just like any other commercial. I don’t find the goat in the Doritos commercial funny, but don’t start up a huge discussion that leads to personal attacks because I don’t laugh. (Not an attack on Carol) I looked up this commercial to find out who the actor is, because I think his timing is funny and end up posting a reply, something I never do. All because I am shocked at the path this discussion has taken. It’s impossible to have an opinion anymore, and I’m sure this very neutral comment will get slammed by someone. Anyways, does anyone know the name of the actor or if he has been in anything else?

Just a side note for people that take the attacks personally, don’t let it get to you and ruin your day. I am in a band and our music videos would get praised by a lot of people, and slammed by only a few. I however could not get passed the negative comments and just let it go. People would get absolutely ruthless with some of their comments including suggesting that I and other people in the band kill ourselves and our families because they felt the music we were putting out did not fall into what they categorized as the style of music we claimed it was. I was able to get past caring about the comments when I saw a documentary about hecklers. In it, comedian Paul Rodriguez said “it’s none of my business what you think of me.” after hearing that i went back and read all the comments, and wasn’t bothered at all. As long as I look at it from that perspective. It may not work for everyone,and again I’m sure someone will slam me for this, but if this helps anyone else to just get over it then that’s awesome.

As a parent and early education teacher I think the ads are very authentic. Adults think they are funny, but the kids are dead serious and taking the questions very seriously . Too often adults don’t listen. At this age kids are very logical trying to interpret adult culture in the best way they can and syncing it to their own world view.
How tough life would be as a were wolf. How grandma would be happier going faster. How exactly would you handle putting a tv in a tree house.

@Carol- You may change the channel when these ads come on..Me, I would remove any child I know from the school that would hire you. I seriously doubt you’ll ever be issued a teacher’s Certificate, it’s obvious you doslike children. I pity your alleged children ( somehow I think they might be Cats, not human children.) Do you still change your channel by having to get up to turn a dial?

Wow- carol and milestone. Seems like your bashing of kids is stemming from something a little deeper. Did your kids audition and didnt get a call back? Hmmmm. I think the commercials are funny and I even say them word for word with the “we want more” and “shaking and waiving hand”. Lol cute, funny, adorable….

Wow! I only read about 15-20 of these comments and it is painful to read the comments of those among us who dislike these commercials. Have you noticed that every one of these people write their comments with venom in their voice? What that tells me is they are just plain negative people. Seriously, how could a mature and normal person not get at least a small kick out of these commercials? They are lighthearted and certainly appeal to the large number of people out there who either have kids this age or remember when they did. I’d like to think that the venomous posters don’t have any kids and just can’t relate. Which if that’s the case is a very good thing.

I like these commercials but I too wonder if these are scripted. The original “adult talking to kids” show was of course Art Linkletters “Kids Say The Darndest Things!” These were genuine, sweet and hilarious exchanges!
And Linkletter was a master. Check out some of these clips if you can find them.

To the person who was asking why they know “disco” — They teach certain dance moves during gym class (kindergarten & 1st grade). They do Travolta’s moves (from the movie Sat. Night Fever) and call it disco. My son came home one day (when he was in kindergarten) showed off his “skills”. He did the “disco” & the moves for Macarena 😀

They are scripted. In the werewolf one and the “dizzy” one, the kid beside the kid speaking is subconsciously mouthing the lines along with them. It’s especially noticeable in the werewolf one where the little boy beside the girl talking mouths the end of the word “human” as she finishes her spiel. Still cute though. The cheetah one is my favorite.

I love them, haters how could you speak of children in such a negative light? Shame on you, and may Jesus forgive you. My favorite child is the one in the tree house commercial with the little antenna <3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3

These commercials make me smile. I can watch the werewolf over and over and it never fails – each time I see it – I smile out loud. How can these commercials (most of them) not make your day lighter and brighter. Keep it up AT&T!

I love these commercials. I thought I saw that one kid mouth a little along with the girl, too….but I still feel like these kids are creating their own answers. Perhaps it was a great answer and they didn’t get it on film correctly and they asked her to repeat it…..maybe it took more than one take and that’s why the boy knew the words. Just a thought…

Carol, I was a Catholic school primary grade teacher. I’m a mom. I love kids. I enjoy studying marketing techniques and often participate in marketing surveys to represent my demographic. I have no venom in my heart and I have an excellent sense of humor and I love Jesus and Jesus loves me. I have nothing against these kid actors, but the annoying scripts of these commercials make me wanna throw a shoe. I don’t know how my remote still works after pressing the channel button so hard every time I hear that kid’s werewolf imitation. I’m with you. Can’t wait till this campaign is over cuz these kids are CONSTANTLY on. Almost as bad as “Flo”in the insurance commercials.

These AT&T ads with the precosius little kids are enough to make me cancel my AT&T plan. The one with the little girl in the purple and white sweater raises annoying to an art form. Why would anyone put here4 irritating ad on TV?

I love it! AT&T accomplished just want they wanted–they got your attention! Better marketing? I think not! Further, all of the comments that are demeaning to the children, acting or not, you clearly don’t have kids, aren’t around kids often, and probably should not be.

I love these commercials! I work at an elementary school and have three children of my own. I could see any of these conversations taking place with mostly any child I know. I just wish I’d thought of taping some of our dinnertime conversations and turning them into commercials.

My wife and I love these commercials. Our favorites are the werewolf girl and the “we want more” girl (wifey does a devastating but good-natured impression of her, especially at a place like a buffet). The commercial we find obnoxious is that Lincoln one where the men drives off without the woman with dog. She’s better off without him.

This mother of two and grandmother of four loves the commercials. My husband does too. The kids are so natural we were pretty sure they weren’t acting. The werewolf one is our favorite, but the little girl who wants a change-o machine is great too. I especially love the expression on the little girl listening to her, wide eyed and agreeing.

Out of all the communication commercials I love ATT. Whoever thought of this concept definetly deserves a encore! The gentleman at the kiddy table, ah mean wow! Good job representing the kids and their ideas My phone carrier is ATT anyway and the serivice is great!

UGH – worst ad campaign in history. The “puppy brother” commercial is ESPECIALLY lame..why do these kids all come off as slow, i.e. not intelligent? We mute the TV or change the channel when these ads appear, which is all to often.

UGH – worst ad campaign in history. The “puppy brother” commercial is ESPECIALLY lame..why do these kids all come off as slow, i.e. not intelligent? We mute the TV or change the channel when these ads appear, which is all too often.

Wow,I never expected to find all these negative comments about these hilarious commercials. I wish at&t would make more! But I must say, the fact that Carol is out there somewhere and eek-subjecting her personality to other unsuspecting normal folks…that’s just plain scary. And I have to agree with the gentleman above, I highly suspect that Carol’s ‘kids’ are really 35 cats.